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The Altra FWD Via Running Shoes feature a brand new super-critical midsole foam, 4 mm drop, rocker geometry, and Altra’s Original FootShape Fit. These are expected to be the most commercial Altra running shoes to date, and perfect for daily miles.
Altra sent Run4It a pair for testing. This article breaks down the tech, how they feel to run in, the fit, and what they’re best suited to.
Altra FWD Via Tech
Key stats
- Men’s approximate weight: 274 grams
- Women’s approximate weight: 324 grams
- Forefoot stack height: 33 mm
- Rearfoot stack height: 37 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Midsole: EGO FLO
- Upper: Engineered Spacer Mesh with Altra’s Original FootShape Fit
Midsole construction
The midsole features a new foam called EGO FLO. This is a super-critical foam that is infused with nitrogen. As a result, it should feel light, responsive, and relatively plush underfoot.
Off the back the success with the Experience Flow and Experience Form Running Shoes, the FWD Via also features a 4 mm drop from heel-to-toe. While Altra continues to make running shoes with a 0 mm drop, there’s no doubt there’s lots of demand for their signature FootShape Fit and a positive drop.
The curved heel-to-toe geometry helps smooth out transitions from landing to take-off, while also improving propulsion. Again, this rocker geometry is similar to Altra’s Experience models.
Finally, it’s worth noting how broad the midsole base is. The combination of this, and the relatively responsive midsole foam, should create a very stable underfoot feel.
Upper construction
The upper is an engineered spacer mesh. In simple terms, this means it should feel light and breathable.
The FWD Via features Altra’s Original FootShape Fit. Their roomiest toe box design. All Altra running shoes are designed to fit the natural shape of the foot, but the Original fit offers even more space than the Standard FootShape Fit.
Outsole construction
There is a high degree of outsole rubber on the bottom of the midsole. This adds some weight, but importantly, it adds durability. It should also increase traction on wetter surfaces.
How does EGO FLO cushioning feel?
The cushioning feels relatively firm to begin with. However, after a few miles, the foam starts to soften up a bit and feel more compliant. EGO FLO definitely feels like the plushest midsole we’ve tested from Altra, but it still sits on the responsive end of the scale. This is pretty typical of how a lot of nitrogen-infused foams feel.
Overall, the cushioning feels like it offers a good level of protection, and feels lively and propulsive to run in. This sensation is enhanced by the rocker geometry, and the midsole helps transition your foot forward in a quick and efficient manner.
It’s worth noting that the EGO FLO cushioning also feels very stable underfoot. Although, most Altra running shoes tend to be inherently stable.
What pace and distance are the Altra FWD Via best suited to?
We tested these at slow and steady efforts - as the Strava images show below. The cushioning feels plush enough to run at slower efforts, but you definitely get the most out of the midsole when you’re moving with a bit more purpose. This is because the midsole feels really agile and energetic as you pick up the pace. Ultimately, the midsole is tuned to propel you forward, and therefore feels best when you’re running steady.
If you run easy in the FWD Via, you might find your muscles are working a bit more than they would in a softer, higher-stacked alternative. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it depends what outcome you’re looking for. To explain further, if you want to feel as fresh as possible at the end of the run, the FWD Via wouldn’t be our first choice. However, it’s easy to get lazy in running shoes that offer a lot of help. If your goal is to focus on your form, and ‘activate’ your muscles more, they’re a great choice.
I could feel my feet working more in comparison to other running shoes. This is likely down to the fact that my feet can splay out more in the FWD Via. This may have benefits for maintaining, or even increasing foot strength. Which could have positive effects on running economy. Although, I wouldn’t necessarily want to work my feet in this way the day after a hard session, and would save the FWD Via for the days when my legs are fresh.
From a distance perspective, these are one of the best Altra running shoes for long distance runs. Again though, the responsive nature of the cushioning is likely to feel best for shorter to moderate distance days. Heel strikers may find the cushioning feels too firm for long slow runs. But, mid to forefoot strikes could find the FWD Via performs very well for this type of workout.
How do the Altra FWD Via Running Shoes fit?
As you’d probably expect, the Original FootShape Fit feels very roomy in the toe box and midfoot. While it does offer good ankle hold, runners with narrower feet might find these too broad. This is where the Experience Flow - with its Standard FootShape Fit - would likely be the better choice.
The best part about the fit of the FWD Via is that it lets your feet splay naturally. This is particularly beneficial for runners who have broad shaped feet, or who have bunions.
How do they compare to other models?
As we’ve already done throughout this article, it’s best to compare the FWD Via to the Experience Flow - Altra’s other 4 mm drop neutral model. The FWD Via feels considerably more cushioned to run in. Which for most, will equate to more comfort for daily miles. Having said that, if you’re searching for an even more responsive underfoot ride, then the Experience Flow would be the better option.
The best comparison from another brand are probably the HOKA Clifton Running Shoes. The Clifton feel slightly softer and plusher, while the FWD Via feel slightly more responsive and livelier to run in. However, the overall ride and rocker sensation are very comparable. The Altra FWD Via obviously offer a broader and wider fit than the HOKA Clifton.
Summary
As mentioned at the start of the journal article, the Altra FWD Via Running Shoes are likely to be the most commercial model Altra has produced. By this, we mean they should suit a lot of runners, and be suitable for a number of end uses.
Overall, they’re great everyday mileage running shoes that should feel very comfortable, and versatile. And finally, if you’re looking for a spacious toe box to let your feet splay more naturally, these are definitely one of the best choices.
